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7 Hot-As-Hell 2021 Prom Trends That Will Straight Up STUN

After a year of leggings, my body is READY.

Headshot of Kelsey StiegmanBy Kelsey Stiegman
2021 prom trends
Retailers

We've all been stuck behind a Zoom screen wearing the same pair of leggings for over a year now. And as a direct result, you've probably started using the smallest, most mundane tasks (ex: Target runs, family dinner, a trip to the gas station) as an excuse to get dressed up, just to feel something again.

With this in mind and with both a vaccine and prom in the very near future, prom 2021 is going to be the perfect storm for serving up the *hottest* look of your entire life (even if it is virtual). This year, you're going all out, doing the absolute most, giving us everything, etc., purely because you CAN. And thankfully, there are some incredibly over-the-top prom trends that will help you accomplish that feat–it's as simple as clicking "Add to Cart."

Iridescent Shimmer

Windsor Deonne Iridescent Sequin Cross Back Dress

Deonne Iridescent Sequin Cross Back Dress
Iridescent Shimmer

Windsor Deonne Iridescent Sequin Cross Back Dress

$100 at windsorstore.com

Stepping into prom lookin' like a shimmering holographic butterfly? I literally can't think of a more fabulous way to emerge from your quarantine cocoon. Thankfully, prom retailers are leaning hard into this trend, so there's plenty of glitz to go around. 

Cowl Neck

PrettyLittleThing Pink Metallic Shimmer Cowl Neck Tie Strap Midi Dress

Pink Metallic Shimmer Cowl Neck Tie Strap Midi Dress
Cowl Neck

PrettyLittleThing Pink Metallic Shimmer Cowl Neck Tie Strap Midi Dress

We're going heavy on the '90s flavor for prom '21, ok?! Cowl neck gowns give you that, but look a bit more dressy than your typical V-neck slip dress. Because of the vintage vibe, this trend pairs perfectly with eye glitter and butterfly clips (an added bonus).

Bustier

For Love & Lemons X REVOLVE Bustier Gown

X REVOLVE Bustier Gown
Bustier

For Love & Lemons X REVOLVE Bustier Gown

If Megan Thee Stallion is basically the only artist on your prom 2021 playlist, this trend will help you bring that same energy to your look. Gowns with lingerie-inspired details feel unique and flirty–they're the perfect way to give the Hot Girl Prom Energy you're trying for. 

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Cut-Outs

Onalaja Elia Mini Dress

Elia Mini Dress
Cut-Outs

Onalaja Elia Mini Dress

For prom 2021, you want to be feelin' yourself heavy. A little cut-out mini will bring out the smokeshow you always were inside, but until now has been confined to sweatpants and fluffy slippers. 

Sage Green

Asos DESIGN Lattice Embellished Maxi Dress

Lattice Embellished Maxi Dress
Sage Green

Asos DESIGN Lattice Embellished Maxi Dress

This '21 trend has me buying color for the first time in my neutrals-only life and it's about to hit prom season hard. If you are also color-averse, this sequin gown lets you do both. 

Bodycon

Gaia Dress Green

Gaia Dress Green
Bodycon

Gaia Dress Green

Credit: Retailers

The category for prom 2021 is "body" and you better come ready to serve. A sheer, '90s-style midi brings the throwback vibes, while basically doubling as a thirst trap IRL.

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Tiered Tulle

Mac Duggal Sparkle Ruffle Tiered Strapless Ball Gown

Sparkle Ruffle Tiered Strapless Ball Gown
Tiered Tulle

Mac Duggal Sparkle Ruffle Tiered Strapless Ball Gown

I'm so desperate to get dressed, I'm about to wear this to the grocery store. Tiered dresses provide the extravagance we crave, with ample skirts covered in structured layers of tulle or ruffles (sometimes both). 

Headshot of Kelsey Stiegman
Kelsey Stiegman
Senior Style Editor

Kelsey is Seventeen.com's fashion expert and resident Harry Potter nerd. At the office, she spends her day writing about style, beauty, and literally every move Kylie Jenner makes. On the weekends, you can find her sifting through vintage shops and hunting for the perfect burger. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.

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